High society

“Striking, bold colours are among the favourites so the guests stand out in a crowd,” says Hilary Haresign, owner of Snooty Frox in Harrogate, which is kitting out several of those fortunate enough to be attending the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton later this month.

“They are also making a statement with black and white, which is always a popular choice for weddings. And hats are definitely back in fashion,” she added.

The labels Condici and Ian Stuart are proving especially popular among wedding guests this year, Hilary said.

“We have been inundated with customers but have been noting down who bought what, so hopefully there won’t be any duplicates from us at Westminster Abbey.”

Miss Middleton herself has become a true trend-setter when it comes to special occasion and wedding attire (she has had quite a few weddings and events to attend since she entered the spotlight – with many more to come once she is married).

As her own style grows in confidence, she increasingly picks bold outfits, such as the statement red jacket and dress (above, left) that she wore to a university event at St Andrew’s earlier this year.

The ensemble is by Luisa Spagnoli, a long-established Italian ready-to-wear label favoured by screen sirens Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. Kate is thought to have bought the £295 dress (it’s not a skirt) and £335 Sushi jacket from Hollie de Keyser in London’s Knightsbridge.

Mrs de Keyser, who is married to fashion designer Robert de Keyser, cannot comment about her clients, but can divulge that she was introduced to the label by her mother-in-law, artistic director of the Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, Dame Fanny Waterman, who “has beautiful and impeccable taste”, Mrs de Keyser says.

“She kept recommending that I look at the label. We were in Florence and I saw the shop and went in to buy a present from her favourite designer and was astonished by the strength and depth of the collection. I decided there and then that we needed to get the brand for the UK.”

Now Luisa Spagnoli is being mentioned as a possible designer of The Dress for The Big Day.

“Kate Middleton is going to become the British Fashion Icon as much as Princess Diana was,” says Hollie de Keyser, who has this advice for guests: “On the classic side, play it safe – good pastels or plains. Skirt knee-length or below for the day’s event. For the evening, anything goes. Beautiful long flowing red carpet event dresses.”

* Snooty Frox is at Hookstone Road in Harrogate, tel: 01423 815 320.

* Hollie de Keyser is at 69 Knightsbridge, London SW1. tel: 020 7235 0371.